12 Week Winter Base Training Cat 4/5 Racer

This plan is designed for a category 4/5 racer looking to get in a solid winter base. The athlete will make gains in endurance and will improve lactate threshold by following this plan. There are 4 training days/ week (2 weekday workouts and 2 weekend workouts). The longest ride length is 2.5 hours. Most workouts are hours 1-1.5. The rider can use HR, power, or perceived exertion to follow this plan. The athlete should consult with their doctor and be sure they are healthy enough to exercise at a high intensity before beginning this plan.

Sample Day 1

1:15:00

20 minute time trial

Warm-up for 10 minutes at recovery pace (perceived exertion of less than 2). Then do 10 minutes at endurance pace (perceived exertion of 2-3). Then do 3x1 minute intervals at high spin (a cadence of about 110 rpms-120 rpms) at tempo pace (perceived exertion of 3 or 4). Then do 5 minutes at recovery pace (perceived of exertion of less than 2). Then do 5 minutes at LT (perceived exertion of 4 or 5). This 5 minute effort will open you up for the test. Try to keep it at the bottom of this zone for the first 3-3.5 minutes of the 5 minute effort. Recover at recovery pace (perceived exertion of less than 2) for 5-10 minutes before beginning the test. Then do a 20 minute max effort. As far as pacing goes for the test don't start out too hard in the first 10 minutes. Never be breathing ragged during this portion. After you complete the first 10 minutes you should be able to up the pace some, but still should never be breathing ragged for the next 5 minutes. After 15 minutes up the pace again, and during the last 3 minutes really punch it. Try to keep your breathing regulated well until the last 3 minutes. You know you paced yourself well if you are able to up your pace like this and die right at 20 minutes. Recover for at least 15 minutes (perceived exertion of less than 2) after the test.

Sample Day 2

0:30:00

30 minute recovery spin

Ride easy today at recovery pace(perceived exertion of less than 2, less than 55% Functional Threshold Power, less than 68% Lactate Threshold Heart Rate).

Sample Day 4

0:45:00

45 minute Endurance Ride

Warm-up for 5 to 10 minutes at recovery pace(a perceived exertion of less than 2, less than 55% of Functional Threshold Power, or less than 68% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate). Then ride at endurance pace (about 2-3 on the perceived exertion scale, 56% to 75% of Functional Threshold Power, or 69% to 83% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate). Cool down for 5-10 minutes at recovery pace(a perceived exertion of less than 2, less than 55% of Functional Threshold Power, or less than 68% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate) at the end of the ride.

Sample Day 6

1:00:00

1 hour Endurance Ride with 1x20 minute Tempo Interval

Warm-up for 5-10 minutes at recovery pace(a perceived exertion of less than 2, less than 55% of Functional Threshold Power, or less than 68% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate). Then ride at endurance pace(about 2-3 on the perceived exertion scale, 56% to 75% of Functional Threshold Power, or 69% to 83% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate) for at least 10 minutes. Then do 1x20' tempo interval(about 3-4 on the perceived exertion scale, 76% to 90% of Functional Threshold Power, 84% to 94% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate). Cool down for at least 10 minutes at recovery pace(a perceived exertion of less than 2, less than 55% of Functional Threshold Power, or less than 68% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate) after finishing the interval.

Sample Day 8

1:30:00

1.5 hour Endurance Ride

Warm-up for 5 to 10 minutes at recovery pace(a perceived exertion of less than 2, less than 55% of Functional Threshold Power, or less than 68% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate). Then ride at endurance pace (about 2-3 on the perceived exertion scale, 56% to 75% of Functional Threshold Power, or 69% to 83% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate). Cool down for 5-10 minutes at recovery pace(a perceived exertion of less than 2, less than 55% of Functional Threshold Power, or less than 68% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate) at the end of the ride.

Sample Day 9

1:00:00

1 hour Endurance Ride

Warm-up for 5 to 10 minutes at recovery pace(a perceived exertion of less than 2, less than 55% of Functional Threshold Power, or less than 68% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate). Then ride at endurance pace (about 2-3 on the perceived exertion scale, 56% to 75% of Functional Threshold Power, or 69% to 83% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate). Cool down for 5-10 minutes at recovery pace(a perceived exertion of less than 2, less than 55% of Functional Threshold Power, or less than 68% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate) at the end of the ride.

Sample Day 11

1:00:00

1 hour Endurance Ride

Warm-up for 5 to 10 minutes at recovery pace(a perceived exertion of less than 2, less than 55% of Functional Threshold Power, or less than 68% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate). Then ride at endurance pace (about 2-3 on the perceived exertion scale, 56% to 75% of Functional Threshold Power, or 69% to 83% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate). Cool down for 5-10 minutes at recovery pace(a perceived exertion of less than 2, less than 55% of Functional Threshold Power, or less than 68% of Lactate Threshold Heart Rate) at the end of the ride.

Winston David

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Supertuck Cycle Sport, LLC

I currently offer one coaching plan for athletes. This plan includes a custom power based training plan that is updated weekly, up to 2 phone calls per week, and unlimited email contact. I also offer tactical advice for races, and I ride with my athletes whenever this is possible with my schedule and their schedule. If you would like any more info please visit my website at supertuckcs.com